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Working with clients on their critical communication needs means we get insight into how different types of companies transmit information and which methods prove most effective for them. Here are some general observations that apply to anyone trying to create a better customer experience.

Summer brings so much possibility: Long days by the pool, drives to the beach, and better looking invoices.Now is an ideal time to update your invoice package, whether you use electronic billing services or print and mail. Ideally, the refresh would accomplish three things:1. Present a more polished, modern look for your company.2. Tighten up the organization of the invoice’s elements, and perhaps even incorporate some targeted messaging.3. Improve customer response time. (Translation: Increase your cash flow.)The SouthData design team understands the balance between creativity and clarity when making this kind of change. By incorporating color, improving image quality, and drawing the eye to neatly organized sections, your invoice can help streamline your branding and provide clarity for your customers simultaneously. It’s refreshing for everyone.Interested in this for your business? Contact us.

At NBS, we offer a variety of customer communication solutions, but we recognize that a bill's efficiency and clarity come before any other bells and whistles. Here are the two questions every bill should answer immediately. 1. "How much do I owe?" This is a case where the bottom line should be the top line, whether it’s a paper bill or an electronic bill. The number could never be too obvious. Loud and clear, front and center. 2. "When is it due?" The final call for payment is almost more important for you than it is for the customer. Don't bury this somewhere on the bottom of the paper or screen. Any other messaging, information, or design should support these two pieces of information, because the third question is the one we've all asked ourselves upon opening the mailbox or inbox: 3. "Is all I ever do pay bills?" Well, yes. That's all any of us do. To take the edge off and strengthen customer reten ...

While the Big Branding Things at a company get done, it’s the Little Branding Things—the ones that seem too obvious to mention—that can slip through the cracks. It happens. Here are three quick check-ups to ensure your company branding is in tip-top shape.1. Sincerely, All of Us.Anything that leaves your office is your office, which is why consistent email signatures are important. If Diane, Jim and Sam have the same sign off, but Todd changed the font and added his favorite GIF to the bottom, someone should ask Todd why. Personality is important, and there may be allowances depending on the industry, but there’s something reassuring about clean messaging. Consistency is not boring; it’s got a nice hum.2. The newest logo is the only logo.If you’ve refreshed, tweaked or bulldozed your company logo over the last few years, make sure everyone has the latest one. Even better, make sure that logo is on everything: invoices, press releases, business cards, brochures, t-shirts, etc. When ther ...

The NBS team has been hitting the tradeshow circuit lately, spreading the word on billing services, postal processing, and online document management. As it goes with many things, better preparation leads to more opportunities at tradeshows. Here are a few simple tips for making the most of the experience:

The words “bill” and “invoice” are often used interchangeably across industries and in conversation. Though not a major crime against the language (they’re swapped with such frequency, it’s unlikely a misunderstanding would occur), it’s worth noting the differences. The two are related, but they’re not twins.

There’s a reason major companies like UPS and DirectTV devote pages on their website to topics like “A Simple Guide to Understanding Your Bill” or “How to Read Your Bill.” They’re anticipating an all-too-common issue: Bills are hard to read.

Do you know how much returned mail is costing your organization? It's probably more than you think. Every piece of undeliverable mail — whether it be an important financial notice or monthly statement — causes financial strains on your company, can impact your relationship with customers, and ultimately affect your bottom line.